Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, November 28, 2007

RANKIN INLET - A recycling project in Rankin Inlet that has been paying residents five cents for every pop can and juice container they turn in has proven itself to be a major success for the community.

Arthur Tatty returns a load of cans and juice containers to the Rankin Inlet recycling depot recently. The recycling program was extended until March 31, 2008, in Rankin. - photo courtesy of Amanda McLarty

In fact, the community has taken to the program so well that it's been extended until March 31, 2008.

The program was originally scheduled to end on Nov. 15.

Rankin senior administrative officer Paul Waye said the community really bought into the recycling program and lots of people wanted it extended.

Waye said he asked the department of Environment for an extension and it was quickly granted.

He said not only has the program been extended, but more containers are now eligible for redemption at higher prices.

"We can now get money from the liquor warehouse for beer cans and liquor bottles," said Waye.

"The price remains at a nickel for pop cans and juice containers, but you can now get 10 cents for a beer can and 20 cents for a liquor bottle.

"That's what the liquor warehouse charges when a permit is obtained to purchase booze.

"The deposit fee is built into the cost of the permit every time one is purchased."

From mid-August until the end of October, Rankin residents turned in 146,063 containers for a total of $7,303.50.

Waye said a similar project in Cambridge Bay didn't succeed because the hamlet was in a state of flux at the time with staff turnover.

He said the recycling program also flopped in Iqaluit.

"The program became so popular in Rankin, first and foremost, because we have a core group of people who are almost making a living from it.

"When the program first began I was hoping some groups in town would get involved with it and use the money to help charitable organizations, so I was quite pleased when it worked out that way.

"The hamlet is going to try and keep the recycle program going.

"I'll keep bringing it up with Environment in hopes the department will recognize the success of the program here and keep funding it."